Looking to pick up a winch. Should I go cable or rope? Pros and cons please

 

You'll easily realize the steel cable winches are less expensive simply because of the cable. Yes, synthetic rope is pricier but for good reasons.
-It is much safer as it doesn't store any energy as tension is placed on it, if it breaks, it will fall to the ground unlike a steel cable that will turn into a whip until it hits something.
-Synthetic rope also floats in water.
-It's just easier to handle and won't kink like wire rope will.
-Synthetic comes in some cool colors.
-Synthetic rope can be repaired if it does break, the end still connected to the winch can simply be weaved back into itself to create a new loop (do NOT put the two pieces back together!). I have done this with no further breaks.
-Lastly, it's much lighter than steel cable.

That should answer your questions...

 

That pretty much sums it up, just comes down to the amount you want to spend. Although if you are winching on the rocks you will be replacing your rope more often then cable.

 

Syn is UV sensitive and can be internally damaged if you use it in mud or contaminated water often. It comes down to what kind of maintenance and use you're willing to do.

Search though, this has been debated only a million times.

 

Cons are;

Synthetic rope can cost as much as the winch you're putting it on.
Has about a 5 year lifespan with regular use.
UV exposure damages it very quickly. Needs to remain covered when not in use.
It frays fast if you use it a lot. Chafe guards help.
Needs to be hand washed to remove grit from mud and sand.
Requires a special fairlead.
Prone to buying itself deep into the spool under heavy load. Can be difficult to unspool afterward.

I still use synthetic line on my winch. I'm also on my 3rd rope in less 8 years so it comes at a price.

 

Good list, I have used both, love Synthetic but have steel on all 4 of my winches for the fact here in Vegas we have stupid amounts of UV and i only play on the rocks where synthetic 'can' get damaged. One other thing to keep in mind is some winches state 'do not use synthetic' this is because the drums get super hot and will melt or reduce the strength of it. Just something to keep in mind if you are thinking of put it on later.. make sure your winch can take it.

Oh lastly Synthetic is a fraction of the weight of steel, way nicer to work with.

Dave

 

I like that synthetic doesn't kink when it overlaps itself on the drum. Way easier to get to spool right and more forgiving when it doesn't.